Ian Watmore, permanent secretary for DIUS, said Government Skills covers the skills and development of 825,000 central government employees and Armed Forces personnel.

“It has a vital remit in equipping public servants with the skills and training they need to build successful and rewarding careers, while delivering value to the taxpayer. DIUS is proud to be working closely with Government Skills and other sector skills councils to address workforce development needs and promote diversity,” he said.

Andrew McDonald, chief executive of Government Skills, said: “Government Skills has a big, stretching agenda ahead – driving up skills levels across our sector. This move positions us well to meet that challenge: we will be working alongside ministers and officials in DIUS while retaining our close links with the Cabinet Office and our stakeholders across the UK.”